Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 17: In a bid to tackle the growing menace of cybercrimes, the Maharashtra Government has constituted a 15-member task force to draft a comprehensive Cybersecurity Policy 2025. The initiative aims to secure the state's IT and digital infrastructure while fostering a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.

The task force, led by the Director of the Maharashtra Information Technology Directorate, includes both government officials and private-sector experts.

State IT Minister Ashish Shelar stated, "Cyber Surakshit Maharashtra is our mission. This policy will build a strong cybersecurity framework to protect citizens, academia, industries, startups, and the government. It will also enhance the cybersecurity industry through skill development, innovation, and partnerships."

Highlighting the urgency, Shelar pointed out that Maharashtra contributes over ?6 lakh crore to India’s $600 billion digital economy. With nearly 800 online government services offered in the state, the rise in cybercrimes demands immediate action to safeguard digital platforms.

This move follows last year’s Maharashtra Cybersecurity Project, which aims to bolster the state’s cyber defenses. The project has already seen the recruitment and training of 17,000 police personnel in tackling cyber threats.

Currently, Maharashtra operates 48 cyber police stations equipped with modern tools for cybercrime investigations. Additionally, over 3,250 police officers and staff have been trained in cybercrime detection and investigation.

The policy, guided by the National Cybersecurity Policy 2013 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2020, aims to fortify government IT infrastructure while supporting innovation and collaboration across various sectors.